Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by **shais** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 5:37 pm

Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by shais » Wed Jan 15, 2014 5:37 pm

I have bought the Panogear head from Kolor a few months ago and it came with the Panoshoot module.
The head itself is performing as I expected it to perform. I know there are better ones, but in my budget I think it was the right choice.

The problem is with the controller. It just seems half baked. It's like I bought a beta version with no support and no updates!
The forum here is full of threads about problems and bugs. So I realize that I'm not the only one that has serious problems with Panoshoot.

Users here suggest other solutions, but it seems ridiculous to me that I have to buy a new (different) controller!

I know that Kolor is not the maker of this device, but they are the ones that sell it, as the only option. I think that they have some responsibility for their clients!

What can we as a group of clients do?
I want to know a REAL date of a major update for this, or I think that we should demand our money back, or a different controller that works and is usable.

I am still optimistic and willing to listen.

Shai Schcolnik

by **vaslag** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:03 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by vaslag » Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:03 am

Same opinion here......

by **Markus W.** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:37 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by Markus W. » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:37 am

... and here!!!!

by **klausesser** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:14 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by klausesser » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:14 pm

Markus, Vaslag, Shai - that´s really bad news!
I mean Kolor as the distributor in Europe should take action, if you bought the device from them.

The question is: do you prefer hoping it will get better . . somewhen - or do you need a reliable device
immediately for doing your work . . ?

best, Klaus

by **shais** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:47 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by shais » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:47 pm

Klaus,
You are right, I do need a reliable solution that works now. This is my livelihood.
But I don't know what can I do now. I can't afford buying another head, even buying the touch controller is not something I can afford right now.
I was hoping to find as many users in a similar situation, so together maybe we can get some solution.

It is so frustrating, I just can't trust the head as it keeps failing me during jobs and in front of clients!

Any ideas?

Shai

by **mediavets** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:48 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by mediavets » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:48 pm

klausesser wrote:Markus, Vaslag, Shai - that´s really bad news!
I mean Kolor as the distributor in Europe should take action, if you bought the device from them.

The question is: do you prefer hoping it will get better . . somewhen - or do you need a reliable device
immediately for doing your work . . ?

best, Klaus

You have three options if you seek an alternative to Panoshoot:

1. The T&C Touch Controller - probably the simplest to use - that Kolor also used to offer before the Panoshoot:
http://www.typeandcolour.de/index.php?ln=en&tp=hhc_home

2. The free Papywizard software running on Windows, or on a Nokia N800 or N810 Internet Tablet, or on a Linux PC with a Deltaware Papymerlin Bluetooth adapter:
http://www.papywizard.org/
http://www.papymerlin.com/interface-%C3%A9lectronique/
http://magasin.skivr.com/en/accessoires ... -head.html

3. The free PandoidWiz software running on Android devices and a Deltawave Papymerlin Bluetooth adapter:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... z&hl=en_GB
http://www.papymerlin.com/interface-%C3%A9lectronique/
http://magasin.skivr.com/en/accessoires ... -head.html

by **shais** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:25 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by shais » Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:25 pm

The cheapest of them all is buying the bluetooth dongle and using one of the software solutions that work with it.

But still, we bought a new product that just doesn't work. I'm hoping for some sort of help from Kolors side.

BTW, if I understand correctly, the T&C controller can be used in the future to control their head, right? (although though it's cheaper than the clauss rodeon it's still too pricy for me right now. I'll have to do A LOT of work with it to make its price worth)

by **klausesser** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:59 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by klausesser » Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:59 pm

shais wrote:BTW, if I understand correctly, the T&C controller can be used in the future to control their head, right? (although though it's cheaper than the clauss rodeon it's still too pricy for me right now. I'll have to do A LOT of work with it to make its price worth)

The T&C controller intentionally was developed for the Merlin. It works perfectly with it. The developer personylly reacts anytime you call, btw.
The T&C has a special firmware-version to be used with the Panoneed head.

I´ll drop you a PN with the adress.

The T&C definitely is a flawlessly working device which is reduced to what it needs to do. It´s extremely easy to handle and to configure.
You just ned to store your cameras and lenses ONCE at home. The rest is done "in the field" by selecting what you want the Merlin to do.

Plug it in, switch the head on and start to work. No connection-issues and so on. You can use the 5cm cable andhave the controller fixed to the Merlin or you can use up to 10m cable.

Have a look here: http://www.klausesser.de/Head.mov

best, Klaus

P.S.: Kolor used to distribute the T&C for years. Then i guess there were attracted by the WLAN-idea of Panoshoot . . . well . .

by **Markus W.** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 8:38 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by Markus W. » Fri Jan 17, 2014 8:38 pm

... it's time for a statement from Kolor..... i've bought Panoshoot here in the store.

And YES, i've made a big (and expensive) mistake buying this buggy System!

by **Markus W.** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:50 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by Markus W. » Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:50 am

I'm just wondering..... NO Statement from Kolor?

by **tws7** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 4:39 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by tws7 » Tue Jan 21, 2014 4:39 pm

has any one used the T&C Touch Controller yet? I don't want to go through the Panoshoot problems again. With the panoshoot I ended up writing my own XML files for each of my lens.

by **klausesser** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:48 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by klausesser » Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:48 pm

tws7 wrote:has any one used the T&C Touch Controller yet? I don't want to go through the Panoshoot problems again. With the panoshoot I ended up writing my own XML files for each of my lens.

I´m using it for about 6 years. First on Merlin and now on Panoneed. It´s the most flawlessly working solution i ever came across.
About 400 - 500 sold units speak their own language.

It writes flawlessly working XML data for the use in APG and PTGui when used on Merlin or Panoneed.

Drop me a PN and i´ll send you the adress of the developer. You can order it from him directly.

best, Klaus

by **mamoo** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:13 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by mamoo » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:13 am

Hi all.

I also agree with shais.I wasted money.
Well, please refer to the next best thing. It is the experiences with me.
Since I only use mosaic mode, the story of 360-degree panorama is not possible.
Fortunately, because it had Bluetooth module, you can control free software "PandroidWiz" from Nexus7.
I did not use enough of the function, "PandroidWiz" if there is no preset generator with great features, "Papywizard" however.
So, I have created a preset generator.
Is this:
http://www.imagefitter.com/generator/
Manual:
http://www.imagefitter.com/generator/userguide.pdf
The result is something to be sufficiently satisfied my request.
The motion of Panogear is also speedy. It is not a very low speed even if I use a 300mm lens. This is what I had point out earlier.
Comparison of the behavior in the 300mm lens:
http://uhrp.imagefitter.com/?page=3

I'd appreciate it if accustomed to reference.

by **mediavets** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:21 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by mediavets » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:21 am

mamoo wrote:Hi all.

I also agree with shais.I wasted money.
Well, please refer to the next best thing. It is the experiences with me.
Since I only use mosaic mode, the story of 360-degree panorama is not possible.
Fortunately, because it had Bluetooth module, you can control free software "PandroidWiz" from Nexus7.
I did not use enough of the function, "PandroidWiz" if there is no preset generator with great features, "Papywizard" however.
So, I have created a preset generator.
Is this:
http://www.imagefitter.com/generator/
Manual:
http://www.imagefitter.com/generator/userguide.pdf
The result is something to be sufficiently satisfied my request.
The motion of Panogear is also speedy. It is not a very low speed even if I use a 300mm lens. This is what I had point out earlier.
Comparison of the behavior in the 300mm lens:
http://uhrp.imagefitter.com/?page=3

I'd appreciate it if accustomed to reference.

Thanks for this.

I will take a look at it.

We had been wanting a mosaic preset generator for PandroidWiz thag provide the functionality of the in-built capability of Papywizard, perhaps this is it?

........

The manual is not in very good English - as I'm sure you are aware.

by **Markus W.** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:50 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by Markus W. » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:50 pm

What's about guarantee to get back our Money from Kolor?

by **claudevh** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 12:20 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by claudevh » Thu Jan 23, 2014 12:20 am

Markus,

Do-you have contact with Kolor about that?
If not.... send a mail to them !

Claude

by **Markus W.** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 1:11 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by Markus W. » Thu Jan 23, 2014 1:11 pm

@Claude,

I contact Kolor for a few minutes..... and i'll see what happend!

Markus

by **claudevh** » Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:14 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by claudevh » Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:14 pm

OK Markus,

Hold-me informed.

Thanks

Claude

by **shais** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:24 pm

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by shais » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:24 pm

I have contacted them a few days ago, still no answer. I will update here once I get news.

by **panoramicessentials.com** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:35 am

Re: Have we made a big mistake buying into this system?

by panoramicessentials.com » Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:35 am

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of response to your recent issues and concerns. Javier, the engineer on the Panoshoot project, has been unable to continue with the improvements to the Panoshoot firmware due to personal issues. Currently we (Kolor and Panoshoot) are exploring several options to get the project moving forward and improve the quality of Panoshoot. We will hopefully have an update for you sometime next week.

In response to some of your most recent issues concerns we believe it prudent to provide some live webinars to help Panoshoot and Panogear users learn how to use the system so they can get the most out of it. To this end we would appreciate any input on specific topics you would like us to address in the webinars.

Additionally if you need assistance with Panoshoot, Panogear, or panoramic photography in general please contact me on skype:adamsheha2. My computer and skype are running 95% of the time and you should get a relatively quick response.

Best

Adam